A Scaffold Connection Element, Parts Thereof, and Associated Methods

ABSTRACT

A scaffold connection element for coupling two scaffold members, the scaffold connection element including: a first receiver configured to receive at least part of a first scaffold member; a second receiver configured to receive at least part of a second scaffold member with the first and second scaffold members substantially parallel with each other and/or co-axial with each other; and a depth adjustment arrangement configured to adjust a depth of the first receiver, such that the depth adjustment arrangement is useable to alter a distance between the first and second scaffold members received by the scaffold connection element.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a scaffold connection element and parts thereof or therefor. Some embodiments include a method of adjusting the depth of a receiver of a scaffold connection element and/or fitting a winder to a scaffold connection element.

Scaffold systems provide a framework from which users can perform tasks in relation to an object. For example, scaffold systems are commonly used in the construction industry to allow users to access elevated parts of a building which is under construction or in relation to which maintenance is required. In other examples, scaffold systems may be used in relation to the construction or maintenance of large vehicles such as ships and aircraft.

A scaffold system may provide a framework on which is supported a platform or deck over which users may travel and/or on which users may work. Various decking systems are known in this respect.

Scaffold systems are typically constructed from tubular members of one or more standardised lengths for the system. The tubular members may be secured to each other with joint or connection elements in order to provide the required framework. Such systems are advantageous because the same tubular members can be formed into many different platform configurations and re-used repeatedly.

In recent years, modular decking systems have become popular in order to provide an elevated working surface for users. One such example can be found in WO2013054143 which discloses a particularly innovative modular decking system. Such decking systems include slot arrangements on vertical members to receive tongue arrangements on decking elements and/or horizontal members in order to construct a safe modular deck from which users can work.

There is generally a need to provide more scaffold connection elements and members to enable more diverse use of such modular decking systems and more options for different possible configurations.

GB2518159 discloses a platform apparatus suitable for use in providing an elevated platform, which comprises a platform element presenting a support surface, and a plurality of platform support elements for supporting the platform element. Each of the platform support elements is configured to be mounted on an end of a respective scaffolding upright, and the platform element is configured to be supported by a plurality of mounted platform support elements. The platform support element includes a lower mounting chamber and an upper mounting chamber configured to receive upper and lower scaffolding uprights. The platform element mounting member may comprise a male part complementary to a female part of the platform support element.

The platform support elements of such apparatus have limited versatility, and are particularly difficult to use in situations in which the platform apparatus is not on level ground, for example. This can result in instability of the platform.

There are, therefore, specific limitations with such platform support elements which need to be addressed.

Aspects of the described technology seek to alleviate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

Accordingly, an aspect provides a scaffold connection element for coupling two scaffold members, the scaffold connection element including: a first receiver configured to receive at least part of a first scaffold member; a second receiver configured to receive at least part of a second scaffold member with the first and second scaffold members substantially parallel with each other and/or co-axial with each other; and a depth adjustment arrangement configured to adjust a depth of the first receiver, such that the depth adjustment arrangement is useable to alter a distance between the first and second scaffold members received by the scaffold connection element.

Another aspect provides a scaffold connection element for coupling two scaffold members, the scaffold connection element including: a first receiver configured to receive at least part of a first scaffold member; a second receiver configured to receive at least part of a second scaffold member with the first and second scaffold members substantially parallel with each other; and a depth adjustment arrangement configured to adjust a depth of the first receiver, such that the depth adjustment arrangement is useable to alter a distance between the first and second scaffold members received by the scaffold connection element, wherein the scaffold connection element further includes an outer wall which at least partially defines the first receiver and the depth adjustment arrangement includes one or more pairs of key apertures and a key, wherein the key is configured to be received by the or each pair of key apertures to alter the depth of the first receiver, and wherein the key includes one or more retaining member apertures which are configured to receive a retaining member to inhibit or substantially prevent removal of the key from the pair of key apertures in which it is receivable.

Another aspect provides a scaffold connection element for coupling two scaffold members, the scaffold connection element including: a first receiver configured to receive at least part of a first scaffold member; a second receiver configured to receive at least part of a second scaffold member with the first and second scaffold members substantially parallel with each other; and a depth adjustment arrangement configured to adjust a depth of the first receiver, such that the depth adjustment arrangement is useable to alter a distance between the first and second scaffold members received by the scaffold connection element, wherein the scaffold connection element further includes an outer wall which at least partially defines the first receiver and the depth adjustment arrangement includes one or more pairs of key apertures and a key, wherein the key is configured to be received by the or each pair of key apertures to alter the depth of the first receiver, and wherein the key includes an elongate main body and a head member, the head member being shaped in a corresponding manner to a part of the outer wall which the head member is configured to engage when the key is received by at least one of the one or more pairs of key apertures.

Another aspect provides a scaffold connection element for coupling two scaffold members, the scaffold connection element including: a first receiver configured to receive at least part of a first scaffold member; a second receiver configured to receive at least part of a second scaffold member with the first and second scaffold members substantially parallel with each other; and a depth adjustment arrangement configured to adjust a depth of the first receiver, such that the depth adjustment arrangement is useable to alter a distance between the first and second scaffold members received by the scaffold connection element, wherein the depth adjustment arrangement includes a winder having: a main body member securable within an internal channel or passage defined by the scaffold connection element; a threaded winder shaft mounted to the main body member and configured for rotation with respect thereto; and an abutment member located at an engagement end of the threaded winder shaft and within the first receiver, wherein rotation of the winder shaft with respect to the main body member moves the abutment member within the first receiver to adjust the depth of the first receiver, and wherein the threaded winder shaft further includes an adjustment end having an adjustment member configured for rotation with the threaded winder shaft such that the adjustment member is useable to rotate the threaded shaft with respect to the main body member, the adjustment member being accessible through the second receiver.

The first and second receivers may be substantially coaxial such that the first and second scaffold members received therein are substantially coaxially arranged.

An element may further include an outer wall which at least partially defines the first receiver and the depth adjustment arrangement includes one or more pairs of key apertures and a key, wherein the key may be configured to be received by the or each pair of key apertures to alter the depth of the first receiver.

The key may include an elongate main body and a head member, the head member being shaped in a corresponding manner to a part of the outer wall which the head member is configured to engage when the key is received by at least one of the one or more pairs of key apertures.

The at least one of the one or more pairs of key apertures may extend diagonally across the scaffold connection element.

The key may include one or more retaining member apertures which are configured to receive a retaining member to inhibit or substantially prevent removal of the key from the pair of key apertures in which it is receivable.

The depth adjustment arrangement may further include a winder having: a main body member securable within an internal channel or passage defined by the scaffold connection element; a threaded winder shaft mounted to the main body member and configured for rotation with respect thereto; and an abutment member located at an engagement end of the threaded winder shaft and within the first receiver, wherein rotation of the winder shaft with respect to the main body member moves the abutment member within the first receiver to adjust the depth of the first receiver.

The main body member may be a plate defining a threaded winder shaft aperture configured to receive the threaded winder shaft and the threaded winder shaft may further include an adjustment end having an adjustment member configured for rotation with the threaded winder shaft such that the adjustment member is useable to rotate the threaded shaft with respect to the main body member, the adjustment member being accessible through the second receiver.

The winder may include a winder wall which extends from the main body member and which may define a first winder attachment aperture, the first winder attachment aperture being configured to receive an attachment member to secure the winder to an outer wall of the scaffold connection element.

An element may further include one or more inner stop members located between the first and second receivers, wherein the or each stop member may be configured to abut one or more of: the first scaffold element, the second scaffold element, and the winder.

An element may further include one or more inner stop members located between the first and second receivers, wherein the or each stop member may be configured to abut one or more of: the first scaffold element and the second scaffold element.

The depth adjustment arrangement may include a winder having: a main body member securable within an internal channel or passage defined by the scaffold connection element; a threaded winder shaft mounted to the main body member and configured for rotation with respect thereto; and an abutment member located at an engagement end of the threaded winder shaft and within the first receiver, wherein rotation of the winder shaft with respect to the main body member moves the abutment member within the first receiver to adjust the depth of the first receiver, and wherein the threaded winder shaft further includes an adjustment end having an adjustment member configured for rotation with the threaded winder shaft such that the adjustment member is useable to rotate the threaded shaft with respect to the main body member, the adjustment member being accessible through the second receiver.

An element may further include a first connection arrangement configured to mate with a second connection arrangement of a further scaffold member.

Another aspect provides an element as above in combination with the further scaffold member.

The further scaffold element may be a safety rail or a deck member.

Another aspect provides a combination of the element above, the first scaffold member, and the second scaffold member.

Another aspect provides a winder configured for use with a scaffold connection element.

Another aspect provides a method of fitting a winder to a scaffold connection element, the method comprising: providing a scaffold connection element having an outer wall defining an internal channel or passage; providing a winder having a main body member defining an aperture to receive a threaded winder shaft of the winder, an abutment member being provided at an engagement end of the threaded winder shaft; inserting the winder into the internal channel or passage; and securing the winder to the outer wall within the internal channel or passage such that the winder is between a first receiver and a second receiver, each receiver being configured to receive a respective scaffold member, the abutment member being located within the first receiver, and the winder being operable to adjust a depth of the first receiver by adjusting a location of the abutment member within the first receiver by rotation of the threaded winder shaft with respect to the main body member.

The described technology is described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an external view of a scaffold connection element;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the scaffold connection element of FIG. 1 (along line D-D);

FIG. 3 shows an external view of a scaffold connection element and scaffold members;

FIGS. 4 and 5 show further scaffold members;

FIG. 6-9 show external views of a scaffold connection element from different sides thereof;

FIG. 10 shows an inner stop member;

FIG. 11 shows an end view through a scaffold connection element;

FIG. 12 shows an external view of a scaffold connection element;

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the scaffold connection element of FIG. 12 (along line B-B);

FIG. 14 shows an external view of a scaffold connection element and a winder;

FIGS. 15-21 show parts of winders;

FIGS. 22 and 23 show external views of scaffold connection elements and keys;

FIG. 24 shows an end view through a scaffold connection element including a winder and a key; and

FIGS. 25-27 show external views of keys.

A described aspect of the present technology includes a scaffold connection element 1—see FIGS. 1-3, 6-9, 11-14, and 22-24 .

The scaffold connection element 1 includes one or more first connection arrangements 11 which are each configured to mate with a respective second connection arrangement 31 (see FIGS. 4 and 5 , for example), which may be connected to or part of a further scaffold member 3.

In some versions, such as those depicted, the or each first connection arrangement 11 is in the form of a female connection arrangement. The female connection arrangement may be a slot defined by two parallel walls extending from an outer wall 12 of the scaffold connection element 1. The slot may have an open aperture between the two parallel walls at a top of the slot. The two parallel walls may be joined by an end wall which may be located opposite the outer wall 12 across a length of the slot. The slot may taper from the open aperture at the top of the slot, through a depth of the slot—so providing a lower part of the slot with a smaller length than the length of the top of the slot.

The or each second connection arrangement 31 may be a respective male connection arrangement which is configured to be at least partially received by one of the one or more female connection arrangements. Accordingly, the or each male connection arrangement may be in the form of an elongate tongue. The tongue may be configured to be inserted into the open aperture of at the top of the slot and at least part of the tongue received between the two parallel side walls defining the slot. The tongue may be tapered in a manner corresponding to the tapering of the slot, for example. In some versions, with the tongue received by the slot, the further scaffold member may rest on the top of the parallel walls defining the slot.

The tongue and the parallel side walls defining the slot may each include an aperture therethrough which are configured to align (when the tongue is received by the slot). This aperture may be configured to receive a pin, clip, wire, or other member to inhibit or substantially prevent the removal of the tongue from the slot. This pin, clip, wire, or other member, may therefore be a safety member to reduce the risk of inadvertent disconnection of the further scaffold member 3 from engagement with the scaffold connection element 1.

As described above and in the examples depicted, the scaffold connection element 1 may include a plurality of first connection arrangements 11. Each first connection arrangement 11 may be of a similar or identical form but may extend from the scaffold connection element 1 in a different direction. In some versions, the slots of at least two first connection arrangements 11 are parallel with each other. In some versions, the first connection arrangements 11 are in two pairs, with each arrangement 11 of each pair being located on a generally opposing part of the outer wall 12. The plurality of first connection arrangements 11 may be substantially equally spaced around the outer wall 12 of the scaffold connection element 1. In some versions, however, (such as the versions depicted), there may be a slight offset between opposing ones of the first connection arrangements 11. The apertures at the tops of the slots of the first connection arrangements 11 may all face a first direction (which may be an upward direction in normal use).

Although the above described versions (and the depicted elements 1) all include one or more female first connection arrangements 11 and one or more male second connection arrangements 31, in other versions this form is reversed such that the or each first connection arrangement 11 is a respective male arrangement and the or each second connection arrangement 31 is a respective female arrangement.

The outer wall 12 of the scaffold connection element 1 may define an internal channel or passage 121 (see FIGS. 2, 11, 13, 22, 23, and 24 ) through a length of the scaffold connection element 1. In some versions, that internal channel or passage 121 may extend through substantially an entire length of the scaffold connection element 1. The scaffold connection element 1 may be a generally straight element. Accordingly, the scaffold connection element 1 may have a tubular form. The scaffold connection element 1 may have a circular external cross-sectional shape. The scaffold connection element 1 may have a square or rectangular external cross-sectional shape. The scaffold connection element 1 may, therefore, have a box-section form. An internal cross-sectional shape (i.e. of the internal channel or passage 121) may have a shape corresponding to that of the external cross-sectional shape, for example. The outer wall 12 may be comparatively thin, in comparison to a cross-sectional size of the internal channel or passage 121. The outer wall 12 may provide an internal surface for the internal channel or passage 121 as well as an outer surface of the scaffold connection element 1.

The length of the scaffold connection element 1 may be less than around 400 mm. The length of the scaffold connection element 1 may be more than around 300 mm. The length of the scaffold connection element 1 may be around 350 mm.

A width of the scaffold connection element 1 (which may be an external width) may be less than 60 mm and may be more than 50 mm (and may be about 55 mm).

The scaffold connection element 1 may be, therefore, generally elongate.

The or each first connection arrangement 11 may be located towards a first end of the scaffold connection element 1 (which may be an upper end in normal use). In some versions, the or each first connection arrangement is around 20-100 mm from the first end of the scaffold connection element 1 (and may be 50 mm from the first end). In versions which have multiple first connection arrangements 11, all of the connection arrangements 11 may be located the substantially the same distance from the first end. A second end of the scaffold connection element 1 may oppose the first end across the length of the scaffold connection element 1.

The scaffold connection element 1 may define a first receiver 13 (see FIGS. 2 and 13 ) which is configured to receive an end of a first scaffold member 2. The first receiver 13 may be defined by the outer wall 12 and may be a hollow internal space defined by the outer wall 12 (and having the aforementioned internal cross-sectional shape, for example). The receipt of the end of the first scaffold member 2 by the scaffold connection element 1 may be such that a central longitudinal axis of the first scaffold member 2 may be generally parallel with a central longitudinal axis of the scaffold connection element 1 (and these central longitudinal axes may be aligned with each other, i.e. coaxial). Accordingly, the outer wall 12 may sheathe the end of the first scaffold member 2, with the scaffold connection element 1 extending along a length of the first scaffold member 2. The scaffold connection element 1 may, therefore, be said to be configured to cuff or collar the end of the first scaffold member 2.

Similarly, the scaffold connection element 1 may define a second receiver 14 (see FIGS. 2 and 13 ) which is configured to receive an end of a second scaffold member 4. The second receiver 14 may be defined by the outer wall 12 and may be a hollow internal space defined by the outer wall 12 (and having the aforementioned internal cross-sectional shape, for example).

The receipt of the end of the second scaffold member 4 by the scaffold connection element 1 may be such that a central longitudinal axis of the second scaffold member 4 may be generally parallel with a central longitudinal axis of the scaffold connection element 1 (and these central longitudinal axes may be aligned with each other, i.e. coaxial). Accordingly, the outer wall 12 may sheathe the end of the second scaffold member 4, with the scaffold connection element 1 extending along a length of the second scaffold member 4. The scaffold connection element 1 may, therefore, be said to be configured to cuff or collar the end of the second scaffold member 4.

The first receiver 13 may be at the second end of the scaffold connection element 1 and the second receiver 14 may be at the first end of the scaffold connection element 1.

Accordingly, the scaffold connection element 1 may form an inline connector by which two scaffold members 2,4 (see FIG. 3 ) may be connected with their central longitudinal axes may be substantially parallel with each other. In some versions, their central longitudinal axes may be substantially parallel with each other and substantially aligned with each other (i.e. co-axial). The two scaffold members 2,4 may be configured in an end-to-end arrangement.

The first scaffold member 2 may be a lower scaffold member and the second scaffold member 4 may be an upper scaffold member, with the scaffold connection element 1 configured to be located between the two scaffold members 2,4.

Accordingly the end of the first scaffold member 2 received by the first receiver 13 may be an upper end of the first scaffold member 2 in normal use and the end of the second scaffold member 4 received by the second receiver 14 may be a lower end of the second scaffold member 4 in normal use.

In some versions, the scaffold connection element 1 includes one or more scaffold member clamping bolt receiving apertures 131,141. One such aperture 131 may be associated with the first receiver 13 and one such aperture 141 may be associated with the second receiver 14. The or each scaffold member clamping bolt receiving aperture 131,141 may be a threaded aperture through the outer wall 12 and into an associated receiver 13,14 such that a respective bolt (correspondingly threaded) may be secured thereto and used to clamp a received scaffold member 2,4 (i.e. by the bolt pressing against an outer wall of the received scaffold member 2,4 within the associated receiver 13,14). In some versions, the or each scaffold member clamping bolt receiving aperture 131,141 may be considered to be part of their associated receiver 13,14. In some embodiments, the or each scaffold member clamping bolt receiving aperture 131,141 may comprise an aperture defined in the outer wall 12 to which a threaded nut may have been secured (e.g. welded) such that the scaffold member clamping bolt receiving aperture 131,141 is threaded by virtue of the nut.

The outer wall 12 may define one or more further apertures extending therethrough for purposes which are described herein.

In some versions, the first and second receivers 13,14 are defined with respect to each other by one or more internal stop members 15 (see FIGS. 10-13 and 24 ).

The or each internal stop member 15 may be a member which is located within the internal channel or passage 121 between the first and second receivers 13,14. The or each internal stop member 15 may, therefore, be configured to restrict the internal width of the scaffold connection element 1 (i.e. defining a narrow part of the internal channel or passage 121). In some versions, at least one of the one or more internal stop members 15 is sized so as to inhibit or substantially prevent the first scaffold member 2 from passing from the first receiver 13 into the second receiver 14 through the internal channel or passage 121—instead the first scaffold member 2 will abut at least one of the one or more internal stop members 15.

Likewise, in some versions, at least one of the one or more internal stop members 15 is sized so as to inhibit or substantially prevent the second scaffold member 4 from passing from the second receiver 14 into the first receiver 13 through the internal channel or passage 121—instead the second scaffold member 4 will abut at least one of the one or more internal stop members 15.

As will be appreciated, therefore, some versions may include the first and second scaffold members 4—such that a scaffold system is formed including the scaffold connection element 1 along with the first and second scaffold members 2,4. The first scaffold member 2 may have an external size and shape suitable to be received by the first receiver 13 but also to abut at least one of the one or more internal stop members 15. The second scaffold member 4 may have an external size and shape suitable to be received by the second receiver 14 but also to abut at least one of the one or more internal stop members 15.

The or each internal stop member 15 could take a number of different forms—such as a tag of material of the outer wall 12 bent inwardly or a plate or annular member secured within the internal channel or passage 121 (e.g. welded). In some versions, including those depicted, the or each internal stop member 15 may include a respective member shaped so as to correspond with the internal shape of the scaffold connection element 1 and secured to an inner surface of the outer wall 12 (e.g. by welding). So, for example, the or each internal stop member 15 may include an angle section (in the case of an internal channel or passage 121 with a generally rectangular or square cross-sectional shape) or an arcuate section (in the case of an internal channel or passage 121 with a generally circular cross-sectional shape). More than one internal stop member 15 may be provided and they may be located at the same or at different point along the length of the scaffold connection element 1. The or each internal stop member 15 may be viewed as a fixed stop arrangement because it is not moved or easily moveable to a different location along the length of the scaffold connection element 1.

In some versions, however, there may be no such internal stop members 15 and, indeed, no such fixed stop arrangement.

In order to aid in the securing of the or each internal stop member 15, one or more apertures may be defined in the outer wall 12. These may be referred to as stop apertures, for example (due to their association with the or each internal stop member 15). In some versions, the or each internal stop member 15 may be passed through a stop aperture in order to locate the internal stop member 15 within the internal channel or passage 121. In other versions, the or each internal stop member 15 may be passed through one of the receivers 13,14 to their intended location within the internal channel or passage 121. Once in their intended location, the or each internal stop member 15 may be secured in that location. This may entail, for example, welding of the or each internal stop member 15 to the outer wall 12. In this respect, the welding may be performed through the or each stop aperture. The or each stop aperture may, therefore, aid in the securing of the or each internal stop member 15. The or each stop member 15 could alternatively be secured in some other manner (e.g. through the use of one or more bolts).

The or each stop member 15 may include an aperture through a wall thereof which is configured to align with an aperture through the outer wall 12 of the scaffold connection element 1 to enable, for example, a bolt to pass through the outer wall 12 of the scaffold connection element 1, through the stop member 15 and into the part of the internal channel or passage 121 which is located at the stop member 15.

In some versions, the or each internal stop member 15 is configured to provide an abutment member for a winder 16. In some such versions, the or each stop member 15 may be configured such that the first and/or second scaffold member 2,4 would not abut the or each stop member 15.

The winder 16 (see FIGS. 14-21 and 24 ) is a part of the scaffold connection element 1 which may be, in some versions, an optional feature which can be provided after the manufacture of the rest of the scaffold connection element 1 and retrofitted thereto. This may include retrofitting after a period of normal use of the scaffold connection element 1. In some versions, however, the winder 16 is provided at the point of manufacture. The winder 16 may, therefore, be considered to be part of the scaffold connection element 1 or the winder 16 and scaffold connection element 1 in combination may be considered to be a scaffold connection system.

The winder 16 is configured to be received within the scaffold connection element 1 in some versions. The winder 16 is configured to be received within the internal channel or passage 121, and this may be generally between the first and second receivers 13,14.

In some versions, there may be one or more internal stop members 15 provided and the winder 16 may be passed through the first or second receiver 13,14 until at least part of the winder 16 abuts part of one of the one or more internal stop members 15 to locate the winder 16. The winder 16 may then be secured in position. Securing the winder 16 in position may be achieved by, for example, welding (e.g. through one or more apertures in the outer wall 12 which may be referred to as winder apertures, therefore) or through the use of an attachment member (e.g. a threaded bolt or a pin which may pass through an aperture in the outer wall 12, which aperture may also be referred to as a winder aperture). In some versions, the winder aperture(s) may be aligned with corresponding aperture(s) through one or more internal stop members 15 (as described above).

The winder 16 may include a main body member 161 which may be in the form of a plate (such as in the depicted embodiments). The main body member 161 may be sized and shaped so as to provide a relatively tight fit within the internal channel or passage 121. In some versions, the size and shape of the main body member 161 may be such that, when received within the internal channel or passage 121, rotation of the main body member 161 with respect to the outer wall 12 is inhibited or substantially prevented.

In some versions, however, the main body member 161 does not fill an entire cross-section of the internal channel or passage 121 such that the drainage of water is permitted through the internal channel or passage 121 in use. Therefore, there may be one or more recesses 161 a, apertures 161 a, grooves 161 a or the like in the main body member 161 to provide drainage therethrough.

In the depicted example (and some other versions), the main body member 161 is in the form of a plate. The plate has a shape which generally corresponds with an internal cross-sectional shape and size of the internal channel or passage 121. The plate (and this is not necessarily unique to versions with a plate as a the main body member 161 or to the depicted version) may be generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the scaffold connection element 1 when fitted. The plate may include recesses 161 a along one or more edges for drainage, for example (in the depicted version all four edges include a respective recess (the internal cross-section of the internal channel or passage 121 being generally square in this version and some others)). The plate may be sized and shaped such that corners thereof locate within internal corners of the outer wall 12 defining the internal channel or passage 121 (again this may also be the case in relation to other examples and other shapes of internal channel or passage 121).

In the depicted and some other examples, the winder 16 may be inserted into the internal channel or passage 121 through the first or second receiver 13,14 and, specifically, in the depicted example (and some others) the winder 16 is inserted through the first receiver 13.

In versions with a suitable internal stop member 15 (see above), the winder 16 may be moved (e.g. pushed or dropped) into abutment with the internal stop member 15. In particular, the main body member 161 (e.g. the plate) may abut the internal stop member 15. This may locate the winder 16 within the internal channel or passage 121. The winder 16 may be secured in this location using welding or a bolt, for example (as mentioned above and with some specific examples given herein).

The winder 16 may include a threaded winder shaft aperture 162. This aperture 162 may be defined by the main body member 161 (e.g. the plate in some versions). The threaded winder shaft aperture 162 may be aligned to be in parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the scaffold connection element 1 (and may be co-axial therewith)—in other words a shaft (see below) received by the threaded winder shaft aperture 162 would extend parallel with (and may be coaxial with) the central longitudinal axis of the scaffold connection element 1. The threaded winder shaft aperture 162 may be threaded by the provision of a nut secured (e.g. welded) to the main body member 161. In some versions the threaded winder shaft aperture 162 may be located on a first side of the main body member 161 and the first side may, in use, face the first receiver 13.

The threaded winder shaft aperture 162 may be configured to receive a threaded winder shaft 163 (the thread of the threaded winder shaft 163 being configured to engage and cooperate with the thread of the threaded winder shaft aperture 162). The threaded winder shaft 163 may be part of the winder 16. The threaded winder shaft 163 has an engagement end 1631 and an adjustment end 1632, which may oppose each other across a length of the threaded winder shaft 163. The engagement end 1631 may be located, when fitted for example, within the first receiver 13 and the adjustment end 1632 may be located within the second receiver 14. Rotation of the threaded winder shaft 163 with respect to the main body member 161 causes the threaded winder shaft 163 to move through the threaded winder shaft aperture 162 linearly (e.g. to adjust the distance of the engagement end 1631 from the main body member 161).

The threaded winder shaft 163 may include, at the engagement end 1631, an abutment member 1631 a which is configured to abut an end of a scaffold member (e.g. the first scaffold member 2) received by the first receiver 13. The abutment member 1631 a may be sized and/or shaped, therefore, to extend across a substantial part of the internal channel or passage 121 within the first receiver 13. In some versions, the abutment member 1631 a is configured to rotate with the threaded winder shaft 163 (e.g. the abutment member 1631 a may be welded thereto) and so may be sized and/or shaped such that rotation of the abutment member 1631 a is not substantially obstructed by the inner surface(s) of the outer wall 12. In some versions, the abutment member 1631 a is connected to the threaded winder shaft 163 (e.g. by a bearing) such that rotation between the two is possible. In such versions, rotation of the abutment member 1631 a may be obstructed by the inner surface(s) of the outer wall 12 (although this need not be the case). The abutment member 1631 a may be generally circular in shape, for example (although it may have a square or rectangular shape, for example, and may have a shape corresponding with an internal cross-sectional shape of the internal channel or passage 121).

As will be appreciated, therefore, rotation of the threaded winder shaft 163 with respect to the main body member 161 moves not only the engagement end 1631 but also the abutment member 1631 a to change the distance between the abutment member 1631 a and the main body member 161. This effectively alters a depth of the first receiver 13 (i.e. the extent to which the first scaffold member 13 extends into the first receiver 13 and so into the scaffold connection element 1).

This same effect may be achieved in other manners. For example, the threaded winder shaft 163 may be prevented from linear movement on rotation (e.g. by the use of clips or other members around the threaded winder shaft 163) and an unthreaded aperture may be provided instead of the threaded shaft aperture 162. The abutment member 1631 a may be sized and/or shaped such that its rotation with respect to the outer wall 12 is substantially prevented and the abutment member 1631 a may have a threaded aperture to receive the threaded winder shaft 163. Accordingly, rotation of the threaded winder shaft 163 would cause movement of the abutment member 1631 a within the first receiver 13.

Returning, however, to the depicted and some other versions, the adjustment end 1632 of the threaded winder shaft 163 may include an adjustment member 1632 a. The adjustment member 1632 a may be configured to provide purchase for a tool to engage and rotate the threaded winder shaft 163. The adjustment member 1632 a may, therefore, include a nut which is rotationally fixed with respect to the threaded winder shaft 163. The adjustment member 1632 a may be welded to the threaded winder shaft 163 or held in place by a grub screw or the like.

Accordingly, in some versions, rotation of the adjustment end 1632 (e.g. by engagement of the adjustment member 1632 a with a tool such as a spanner, wrench, or socket tool) may cause rotation of the threaded winder shaft 163 with respect to the main body member 161 which may, in turn, cause linear movement of the abutment member 1631 a as mentioned above (which changes an effective depth of the first receiver 13).

In some versions, the adjustment end 1632 (and so the adjustment member 1632 a) is accessible through the second receiver 14.

The adjustment member 1632 a may be sized and/or shaped to fit within an end of the second scaffold member 4 received by the second receiver 14. As will be appreciated, in typical use, any adjustment of the depth of the first receiver 13 would be performed prior to receipt of the second scaffold member 4 in the second receiver 14, although in some versions a tool may be provided which is configured to extend through the second scaffold member 4 to allow for engagement with the adjustment member 1632 a and adjustment of the depth of the first receiver 13 even after the second scaffold member 4 is in place.

In some versions, including those depicted, the winder 16 may include a winder wall 164. The winder wall 164 may extend generally perpendicular to the main body member 161 (which may be a plate as described herein). The winder wall 164 may, therefore, be configured to extend through a length of the internal channel or passage 121 and may be generally parallel therewith. In some versions, with the winder 16 fitted, the winder wall 164 may extend into the second receiver 14. The winder wall 164 may extend from a second side of the main body member 161 (the first and second sides opposing each other across a depth of the main body member 161, for example).

In some versions, the winder wall 164 may define an enclosure with an open end opposing the main body member 161. The winder wall 164 may be a generally uniform perimeter wall or may be in the form of a framework rather than a uniform wall structure. An end of the winder wall 164 which opposes the main body member 161 (and which may define the open end of the enclosure defined by the winder wall 164, for example) may provide an abutment surface which is configured (in use) to abut an end of the second scaffold member 4 received by the second receiver 14. In some versions, however, the winder wall 164 may be configured to fit within the end of the second scaffold member 4 (and the second scaffold member 4 may then abut the or each internal stop member 15, for example).

The winder wall 164 may define a first winder attachment aperture 1641. The first winder attachment aperture 1641 may be a threaded aperture, for example, and the thread may be provided by the securing of a nut to the winder wall 164, for example. The nut may be provided on an inner surface of the winder wall 164 (and, in some versions, may therefore be located with the enclosure defined by the winder wall 164).

The outer wall 12 of the scaffold connection element 1 may define a second winder attachment aperture 122 which is configured to receive, for example, a bolt which may then pass through the outer wall 12 (though the second winder attachment aperture 122) to be received by the first winder attachment aperture 1641 to secure the winder 16 in place. The second winder attachment aperture 122 may align with an aperture through one of the one or more internal stop members 15 (such that the bolt may pass through the internal stop member 15 too in some versions). In some versions an unthreaded pin may be used, for example. In other examples, the second winder attachment aperture 122 (and an aperture through the inner stop member 15) may be used to weld the winder 16 in place.

Accordingly, a winder 16 may be provided and secured to the scaffold connection element 1. The first scaffold member 2 may then be received by the first receiver 13. Adjustment of the winder 16 may change the depth of the first receiver 13 so, as a result adjusts the position of the scaffold connection element 1 linearly with respect to the first scaffold member 2. This allows a height of the scaffold connection element 1 with respect to the first scaffold member 2 to be adjusted. The second scaffold member 4 may be received by the second receiver 14 and/or one or more further scaffold members 3 may be attached to the scaffold connection element 1 using the first and second connection arrangement(s) 11,31. The scaffold connection element 1 seeks, therefore, to provide a versatile and adjustable connection arrangement.

As discussed, there are also versions which do not include a winder 16. In such versions the or each internal stop member 15 may provide a fixed depth first and second receiver 13,14. However, there may still be a desire to provide the ability to adjust the depth of the first receiver 13, for example.

Therefore, in some versions, there may be key apertures 123 which are configured to receive a key 17 (see FIGS. 22-27 ). The key 17 may be considered to be part of the scaffold connection element 1 or may be viewed as a separate component for use with the scaffold connection element 1 of at least some versions described herein.

The key apertures 123 may be provided in pairs, with the key apertures 123 of one pair (e.g. a first pair) opposing each other across a width of the outer wall 12 (and so of the scaffold connection element 1). The key apertures 123 of one pair may both be located at the same distance along a length of the scaffold connection element 1. The key apertures 123 of a pair may be configured to receive at least part of one key 17 (i.e. the same key 17) such that the key 17 extends through the key apertures 123 of that pair and across at least part of the internal chamber or passage 121 (e.g. in the first receiver 13). With the key 17 so received, the first scaffold member 2 may abut the key 17 within the first receiver 13. Accordingly, the position of the pair of key apertures 123 define a depth of the first receiver 13 with the key 17 so received (that depth may be different to a depth of the first receiver 13 without the key 17 so received).

In some versions there may be a plurality of such key aperture 123 pairs (i.e. such that there is at least a second pair in addition to the first pair). The second pair of key apertures 123 may be located at a different distance along the length of the scaffold connection element 1 compared to the first pair (with both the key apertures 123 of the second pair located at the same such distance). Accordingly, the key 17 may be selectively received by either the first pair or the second pair of key apertures 123 to change the depth of the first receiver 13.

In some versions including the key 17 and key apertures 123 there may be no internal stop member(s) 15 and both the first and second scaffold members 2,4 may abut the opposing sides of the key 17. Such arrangements would only provide adjustment of the relative position of the first connection arrangement(s) 11 with respect to the first scaffold member 2, for example. In some versions, however, the second scaffold member 4 would abut a provided internal stop member 15 (with the first scaffold member 2 abutting the key 17).

A pair of such key apertures 123 may be provided in opposing parts of the outer wall 12 and those parts may extend between two flat surfaces of the outer wall 12, across a diameter of the outer wall 12, or from one corner of the outer wall 12 to an opposing corner of the outer wall 12 (i.e. diagonally).

Pairs of key apertures 123 may be distributed at different distances along the length of the scaffold connection element 1 (and so the outer wall 12) as described. The pairs of key apertures 123 may also or alternatively be distributed around the scaffold connection element 1 (and so the outer wall 12), such that the first pair may extend across a different width of the scaffold connection element 1 than the second pair.

Each key aperture 123 may be an elongate slot (with a length thereof extending perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the scaffold connection element 1 and the width being parallel with that axis, the length being greater than the width). Accordingly, the key 17 may be shaped to be received by the key apertures 123 and may, therefore, be a generally flat key 17 (e.g. to provide a relatively large surface of the key 17 (compared to a depth of the key 17) to abut the first scaffold member 2).

The key 17 may, as such, include an elongate main body 171 which may be generally planar. Towards a first end thereof the elongate main body 171 may define one or more retaining member apertures 172. The one or more retaining member apertures 172 may be located such that, with the key 17 in place in a pair of key apertures 123, at least one of the or each retaining member apertures 172 is accessible. As will be appreciated, the length of the key 17 received by the scaffold connection element 1 (and so the length of the key 17 which extends from the outer wall 12 when so received) may depend on which pair of key apertures 123 has been used. As such, more than one retaining member aperture 172 may be provided and these retaining member apertures 172 may be at different distances along the length of the elongate main body 171 of the key 17.

The or each retaining member aperture 172 is configured to receive a retaining member which may be a clip, a wire, a pin, a bolt, or the like. The retaining member is configured to inhibit removal of the pin 17 from the key apertures 123 and may need actuation and/or removal to allow the pin 17 to pass back out of the key apertures 123, for example.

The first end of the elongate main body 17 may include a groove to assist in securing of the retaining member to the pin 17.

The key 17 may include a head member 173 at a second end of the elongate main body 171 (the second end opposing the first end across a length thereof). The head member 173 may be sized and/or shaped to inhibit or substantially prevent the head member 173 from passing through a key aperture 123. The head member 173 and elongate main body 171 may, therefore, form a T-shaped key 17.

In some versions, one or more inner edges of the head member 173 are configured to correspond with parts of the outer wall 12 against which those edges may be located with the key received in a pair of key apertures 123.

In the depicted and some other versions, at least one pair of key apertures 123 may extend diagonally across the scaffold connection element 1 (and so the outer wall 12). Accordingly the key 17 may intersect corners of the outer wall 12. The head member 173 may include, therefore, one or more inner edges which are shaped so as to correspond with the two sides of the outer wall 12 against which they will abut. This may give the head member 173 a barbed appearance and may help to ensure the secure retention of the key 17.

Accordingly, even without the winder 16, the use of a key 17 may allow for some adjustment of the depth of the first receiver 13. As will be appreciated, use of the key 17 may be referred to as discrete adjustment and the user of the winder 16 may be referred to as continuous adjustment. Both the key 17 and the winder 16 may be generally referred to as a depth adjustment arrangement configured to adjust a depth of the first receiver 13. The key 17 and winder 16 are, therefore, two examples of such a depth adjustment arrangement.

In some versions it is possible to use the key 17 even if the winder 16 is fitted (with the abutment member 1631 a positioned so as not to interfere with the key 17).

It is envisioned that the winder 16 may be retrofitted to existing scaffold connection elements 1 which may have been supplied, for example, with the key 17 or which are otherwise configured for such retrofitting.

The further scaffold member 3 may be a safety rail or part of a deck member (which may be a modular deck member), for example. Therefore, the ability to adjust the depth of the first receiver 13 for one scaffold connection element 1 compared with another also being used to support the safety rail or deck member may provide a more level and secure structure.

Although versions have been described with reference to adjustment of the depth of the first receiver 13 (i.e. the receiver 13,14 which would typically be the lowermost receiver 13,14 when in use), the winder 16 and/or key 17 may be used in relation to the second receiver 14 instead (i.e. the receiver 13,14 which would typically be the uppermost receiver 13,14 when in use). It is also envisaged that the key 17 and winder 16 could both be used in relation to the same scaffold connection element 1 but with the key 17 being provided in relation to one of the receivers 13,14 (the first or second receivers 13,14) and the winder 16 being provided in relation to the other of the receivers 13,14 (the other of the first and second receivers 13,14).

As will be appreciated references to adjustment of the depth of a receiver 13,14 are references to adjustment of an effective depth of the receiver 13,14. In other words, the portion of the receiver 13,14 which can receive the scaffold member 2,4.

The drawings include dimensions which are given in mm by way of example only. Dimensions may vary according to the desired application and, for example, the dimensions of the scaffold members 2,4,3. In some versions, the dimensions, as indicated, may be varied (larger or smaller) by 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40%, for example.

The scaffold members 2,3,4 may have a circular cross-sectional shape or a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents. 

1. A scaffold connection element for coupling two scaffold members, the scaffold connection element including: a first receiver configured to receive at least part of a first scaffold member; a second receiver configured to receive at least part of a second scaffold member with the first and second scaffold members substantially parallel with each other and/or co-axial with each other; and a depth adjustment arrangement configured to adjust a depth of the first receiver, such that the depth adjustment arrangement is useable to alter a distance between the first and second scaffold members received by the scaffold connection element.
 2. The element according to claim 1, wherein the first and second receivers are substantially coaxial such that the first and second scaffold members received therein are substantially coaxially arranged.
 3. The element according to claim 1, further including an outer wall which at least partially defines the first receiver and the depth adjustment arrangement includes one or more pairs of key apertures and a key, wherein the key is configured to be received by the or each pair of key apertures to alter the depth of the first receiver.
 4. The element according to claim 3, wherein the key includes an elongate main body and a head member, the head member being shaped in a corresponding manner to a part of the outer wall which the head member is configured to engage when the key is received by at least one of the one or more pairs of key apertures.
 5. The element according to claim 3, wherein the at least one of the one or more pairs of key apertures extends diagonally across the scaffold connection element.
 6. The element according to claim 3, wherein the key includes one or more retaining member apertures which are configured to receive a retaining member to inhibit or substantially prevent removal of the key from the pair of key apertures in which it is receivable.
 7. The element according to claim 1, wherein the depth adjustment arrangement further includes a winder having: a main body member securable within an internal channel or passage defined by the scaffold connection element; a threaded winder shaft mounted to the main body member and configured for rotation with respect thereto; and an abutment member located at an engagement end of the threaded winder shaft and within the first receiver, wherein rotation of the winder shaft with respect to the main body member moves the abutment member within the first receiver to adjust the depth of the first receiver.
 8. The element according to claim 7, wherein the main body member is a plate defining a threaded winder shaft aperture configured to receive the threaded winder shaft and the threaded winder shaft further includes an adjustment end having an adjustment member configured for rotation with the threaded winder shaft such that the adjustment member is useable to rotate the threaded shaft with respect to the main body member, the adjustment member being accessible through the second receiver.
 9. The element according to claim 7, wherein the winder includes a winder wall which extends from the main body member and which defines a first winder attachment aperture, the first winder attachment aperture being configured to receive an attachment member to secure the winder to an outer wall of the scaffold connection element.
 10. The element according to claim 7, further including one or more inner stop members located between the first and second receivers, wherein the or each stop member is configured to abut one or more of: the first scaffold element, the second scaffold element, and the winder.
 11. The element according to claim 1, further including one or more inner stop members located between the first and second receivers, wherein the or each stop member is configured to abut one or more of: the first scaffold element and the second scaffold element.
 12. The element according to claim 1, wherein the depth adjustment arrangement includes a winder having: a main body member securable within an internal channel or passage defined by the scaffold connection element; a threaded winder shaft mounted to the main body member and configured for rotation with respect thereto; and an abutment member located at an engagement end of the threaded winder shaft and within the first receiver, wherein rotation of the winder shaft with respect to the main body member moves the abutment member within the first receiver to adjust the depth of the first receiver, and wherein the threaded winder shaft further includes an adjustment end having an adjustment member configured for rotation with the threaded winder shaft such that the adjustment member is useable to rotate the threaded shaft with respect to the main body member, the adjustment member being accessible through the second receiver.
 13. The element according to claim 1, further including a first connection arrangement configured to mate with a second connection arrangement of a further scaffold member.
 14. A scaffold system including: a scaffold connection element for coupling two scaffold members, the scaffold connection element including: a first receiver configured to receive at least part of a first scaffold member; a second receiver configured to receive at least part of a second scaffold member with the first and second scaffold members substantially parallel with each other and/or co-axial with each other; and a depth adjustment arrangement configured to adjust a depth of the first receiver, such that the depth adjustment arrangement is useable to alter a distance between the first and second scaffold members received by the scaffold connection element; and a further scaffold member having a second connection arrangement configured to mate with a first connection arrangement of the scaffold connection element.
 15. The scaffold system according to claim 14, wherein the further scaffold element is a safety rail or a deck member.
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. A method of fitting a winder to a scaffold connection element, the method comprising: providing a scaffold connection element having an outer wall defining an internal channel or passage; providing a winder having a main body member defining an aperture to receive a threaded winder shaft of the winder, an abutment member being provided at an engagement end of the threaded winder shaft; inserting the winder into the internal channel or passage; and securing the winder to the outer wall within the internal channel or passage such that the winder is between a first receiver and a second receiver, each receiver being configured to receive a respective scaffold member, the abutment member being located within the first receiver, and the winder being operable to adjust a depth of the first receiver by adjusting a location of the abutment member within the first receiver by rotation of the threaded winder shaft with respect to the main body member. 